© copywrite 2008 by Diana Mylek check out her website

Chapter 6

One thing good about her office was that she could see to the floor below and keep track of employees or supervise production without running back and forth. What was bad about the arrangement was that Leah could also see things that were not pleasant, such as the many times a day that Darlene looked up at Spencer’s office. Or when he stopped to talk to her, and she could see them smiling at each other. She tried to keep busy and avert her eyes, but it never failed, Leah would peer out her window and just as if it were planned, Spencer and Darlene were sharing some personal information, and Leah was a witness.

She had done her best to keep the relationship with Spencer professional, especially since that day weeks ago when Leah realized that he was becoming involved with Darlene. Besides Christ, Spencer was the best thing that could happen to Leah’s employee, and it would sinful to lure him away for her own selfish wants. But it was hard with the everyday contact and the way he tried unceasingly to be her friend. Spencer was hurting so much from the loss of his father, and desperately in need of comfort but it was not Leah’s place to be so familiar, especially if he belonged to someone else. Many times she had to stop, remember boundaries and pray to God for forgiveness as Leah failed and let her compassion rule over propriety. Like when she saw that Spencer was in pain she didn’t think about it, just massaged his shoulders. If Darlene hadn’t knocked on the office door Leah wouldn’t have realized her error.

So what was she to do with Spencer today? Dressing for the memorial service, Leah worried again that she was overstepping her boundaries, but he needed her and she wanted to be a good friend. Leah wanted to be more than that, but not at Darlene’s expense. Those boys needed a father and who would be better than Spencer?

“Just help me do the right thing,” Leah prayed as she changed into her third outfit. “Lord you know how much he needs comfort; please have mercy on Spencer and heal his wounded heart.”

The doorbell rang, and Leah allowed her mom to answer while she sprayed cologne and slipped into shoes. She could hear Spencer greet Norma and make small talk. Leah knew her mother would offer him coffee and donuts or whatever baked goods were fresh enough for company. Confident he was in good hands; she went to the mirror and checked her hair one more time. She hated it.

Ripping out the clasp, Leah started all over.



It was only minutes, but Leah worried about keeping Spencer and hurried out of her room, donning earrings as she ran. He was in the kitchen, probably seated at the table and she could hear him speaking to Norma as she hurried down the hall. Her mother must have showed him the shelf full of pill bottles.

“My mother was once on so many pills that we figured her doctor couldn’t possibly keep track of all his prescriptions. And my mom didn’t know either, she trusted the doctor because he was educated—a professional. It wasn’t until we took her to a different doctor and showed him all the medicine that we were able to pinpoint the real problem and get rid of all those unnecessary meds before they killed her.”

Norma closed the cupboard. “I’ve been with the same doctor for years; I wouldn’t know who to trust.”

“For how long?” Asked Spencer.

“Since I first felt sick,” admitted Leah’s mother. “I never tried anyone else.”

He gave her the number of his mother’s doctor and told her to have Leah call. “He’s out of state but I’m sure he can point you in the right direction. My mom is well today, taking one medication and you’d never know she was once near death.”

Leah entered the room. Gunny smiled at her as if they were going out on a regular date instead of a memorial service.

“Wow, Lee. You clean up well.”

She laughed and rolled her eyes, kissed her mother and found the purse she had left sitting on the table. “Isn’t he charming, mother? And so full of good advice—he’s going to make us all millionaires.”

“That’s right,” he agreed. “Can’t make Marines out of you so I’ll have to settle for wealthy entrepreneurs.” He stood and saluted Norma as they went outside. The temperature had dropped, and fall was fast becoming winter. Leah returned to the house and borrowed Pam’s white cashmere winter coat. It was more formal than hers, and Pam wouldn’t be home for a few days.

Spencer’s car was warm, however and she really didn’t need it. He placed it on the back seat for Leah and held the car door while she sat.

“How are you, Spencer, really?” Leah said as he joined her in the car.

He rubbed the back of his neck and said he honestly didn’t know. “I might embarrass myself today with all the mush and sentiment about my dad. He’d kill me for being so soft. So, if I start to tear up just hit me in the back of my head.”

Leah absolutely refused. “I’m so glad you asked me along, I love to see that my tough-as-nails Marine consultant is human after all.”

“Way too human,” Spencer admitted. “I have a weakness for women who smell like flower gardens and small boys who think I’m a hero.”

“You are, to the whole sixth grade at McPherson Elementary and to the staff at Quilts, Inc.”

He didn’t deny it, Leah thought with amusement. It did him good also to be needed and admired by the children. Spencer blossomed around those boys and girls; he became a mentor, teacher and most of all, a good friend. And he loved those kids too; Leah heard from her staff and children of his kindness that was just under the tough exterior. She wondered that he didn’t go broke feeding them all after a game or buying groceries for a needy family. He may believe all his good deeds to be a secret, but the kids told all to Leah and it only made her more enamoured of him. Spencer was a jewel, a rare treasure that everyone wanted to own.



The VFW hall was decorated so completely that Leah could barely see any spaces left on the wall. It was also so crowded that more chairs were set up till every possible space was taken, and people had to stand in the kitchen area. Spencer’s family greeted her warmly, hugging Leah like a long-lost relative. They had a space already saved for her, next to Gunny, his mother informed her, and Leah wondered if they had planned all along for her to be present. Why wouldn’t they expect Darlene instead, Leah wondered as she sat in the front row? Spencer immediately gripped her hand and held it tight through most of the service, except to clap or wipe away an unwelcome tear. Leah rubbed his hand lightly with her fingers, and smiled at him whenever he caught her eye.

After the service Spencer was approached numerous times by persons wondering why he was not in dress blues, and she sensed his discomfort as he explained that he was not on active duty anymore. Most expressed shock or sadness that such a fine Marine as he would choose to leave the service but they all wished him well anyway, even if he was denying his call to service.

“Your dad would be mighty disappointed to see you as a civilian,” One man said as they shook hands. “He said you would one day make a finer Marine than him, and he wanted to live to see that.”

“I don’t see how that’s possible,” Spencer replied humbly.

The man shook his head sadly. “I guess he won’t get his wish either way. It was his fondest dream to see you boys follow his lead and be Marines.”

As the day wore on, Spencer seemed to sink lower into despair, and Leah grew concerned. So many men who praised the General expressed disappointment that his son turned his back on the Corps; then if that wasn’t enough, Spencer’s own unit was present and told him how sorely he was missed.

“You should know that something really extraordinary has happened since I left,” he explained to the guys. “I found that I could make it on the outside, and there’s this group of kids that need guidance. I’m a hero to them.”

His friends were not impressed so much as curious. One of them, a man so large he dwarfed Spencer reminded his friend that there was still time to re-up. “You could become a recruiter and get as involved as you want with this community. But man, you’re a Marine; it’s in your blood, Gunny. Don’t throw it all away 'cause you’re hurting over the General. He’d be the first one to kick your tail.”

Spencer grew quiet and thoughtful as the men recounted their many adventures. After the ceremony, they invited him and Leah out for drinks, and though neither Gunny nor Leah drank, they went with his old platoon to a restaurant where the men talked for hours about old times and how much they missed his nasty, ugly face. Leah could see that these men loved Spencer like a brother, and that he felt just the same about them.

Later in the evening, the men parted, vowing to be together again soon, and Spencer walked with Leah away from the parking lot to a park near the river. It was cold, with an icy mist that seeped into her clothes and chilled Leah’s bones but she wasn’t going to let him know that she was uncomfortable. He was troubled and needed to sort out the feelings in his head. Leah walked with him across a footbridge as he silently wrestled the thoughts that tumbled through his mind. She could almost hear the battle inside his head, this new, civilian life clashing with his beloved Marine Corps.

“The principal told me not to start something with these kids if I didn’t intend to finish it,” Spencer said as if they had been talking of it already. “I can’t disappoint them—who’ll be their mentor, keep them on the right path and knock ‘em around when they stray? How can I fulfil my dad’s wishes and keep my promise to the kids?”

“That friend of yours said to become a recruiter,” Leah suggested. “Or what about the reserves?”

Spencer thought for a long time, until Leah felt so cold and numb she could barely walk. He reached for her hand.

“You’re freezing, Leah! Why didn’t you say something?”

“I’m fine,” she told him but was immensely grateful when he returned them to the car and drove her home.

Norma had gone to bed early and they were alone. Leah made him coffee and warmed her hands over the stove burner. Spencer sipped the brew slowly and stared past her at the wall.

“My dad was the greatest man I knew,” he said, not looking at her. “The General was a hero to everyone he ever met. All I ever wanted was to make him proud.”

“I’m sure you have,” replied Leah. She turned off the stove sat across from him at the small kitchen table. “After all I heard and saw today, I recognize his good qualities in you.”

He shifted his gaze to her face. “Much as I appreciate hearing that, it’s not enough.” Spencer rose and paced in the kitchen. “I was wrong, Leah. Being your consultant was a great experience for me; believe it or not, you actually were the first client. And those daggone kids! It was worth leaving the Corps for them.”

“But you’re going back,” Leah said for him.

Spencer returned to her side. “Yes. It’s what my dad would want. But I won’t abandon any of you; I’ll see this project through and either go the recruiting route or reserves. I found something in this town that I need just as much as the Corps and I’d be crazy not to pursue it.”

Leah’s heart tore as she tried to be happy for him. He’s telling me about Darlene, Leah knew and soon she would have to witness their happiness as Spencer and she began a life together. How will I stand it? This man is everything I will ever want or need and I have to step aside for a woman who probably doesn’t know how very precious he is. Right now Leah didn’t think she had the strength to hand him over but he never belonged to her anyway.

“So, Leah I need your advice.” He turned the chair to face her and sat, playing with her hands. “I have a friend, someone who seems to care for me, but I can’t make her see that I want much more.”

Leah was confused. Darlene was very open in her feelings toward Spencer; everyone in the factory knew. “I think she cares for you very much, it’s not a secret.”

“Let me tell you about this woman,” continued Spencer. “She makes me feel like a hero, comforts me when I hurt and is kind as she is lovely. It’s the person I want to be with forever.”

It killed Leah to say, “Then make her see, Spencer. Life is too short and true love is so rare. Don’t let it get away from you.” She fought tears as Leah looked into his eyes of blue ice.

He leaned closer. “How can I convince her to keep me?”

Why didn’t he just stab her in the heart? “Be honest with her. Tell her that you love her and need her as much as the air you breathe. Throw yourself on her mercy. The worst she can do is say no.”

Gunny smiled and touched her chin. “I love you, Leah. I need you like the air I breathe. Have mercy on me and say you love me too or I’ll throw myself from this chair onto the kitchen floor.”

My heart is breaking and he’s teasing me! She pushed away from Spencer and went to the sink. He stood, followed and turned her to face him.

“Say you don’t love me, Leah and I’ll walk away.”

“Me?” She looked at him, confused. “You used my name.”

He chuckled. “Duh, Einstein.”

Leah’s eyes widened. “But Darlene and Devin…”

Spencer traced a path down her cheek with his finger. “I’m doing everything I can to help that boy and be a father figure to him. And I know that Darlene has grown fond of me; she sees me as a savior for her and the boys, but like I tell her repeatedly—the love she’s searching for can only be found when she surrenders to God. Only he can fill the holes in her life.”

Leah’s heart began a steady pounding all the way to her ears. “You’re not…I thought…”

“I’m the one who’s paid to think,” Spencer said and closed the distance between them. “Oh, and I won’t charge you a fee for this.” He kissed the corners of her lips as she closed her eyes.

“I’ll pay twice your fee if you never stop,” Leah said between kisses. “And I’ll make quilts for each of your family members; even throw in a couple pillow shams.”

He kissed her soundly until a slight rustling made him stop and look. Pam and Norma stood in the doorway smiling.

“So that’s what you pay him for, Leah. From now on, I do ALL the hiring; I want a consultant of my own!”

“No Ma’am,” replied Spencer. “I’m declaring a hiring freeze right now before she finds someone better.”

Leah assured him she was done with consultants. “My first one wasn’t a real professional—he cost me a fortune, and stole from me!”

“Oh?” Said Pam, raising her eyebrow. “Just what did he steal?”

“My heart,” Leah said to Spencer. “Gunny Sergeant Spencer Merchant, you are the best investment I have ever made.”

He kissed her with passion in front of God and her family. “Thank you, Miss Armstrong, I’d use that on my resume but I’m retiring after this job.”

“Who will I go to for advice?” Leah wondered.

“Your husband,” Gunny replied. “Because the last bit of advice I’m going to give you before this job is finished is to marry your consultant. Fees are much lower if he’s family.”

Leah sighed. “Is this man smart or what?”

“Smart has nothing to do with it.” Gunny kissed her fingertips. “It’s you, Leah. You’re a better man than I’ll ever be. I thought that discipline was the key to everything, but now I know that love is stronger than any force. My dad was both loving and strict, but it was his love for his family and the Corps that set him apart. I want to be like that.”

“You are, Spencer. It was always in you.”

For the first time, he believed her. Thank you, Dad. This is your legacy to me, and I will pass it on to Leah and my children. Gunny was sure his father would be very pleased.



by Diana Mylek (email: Drmarcia1@aol.com)

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Diana Mylek has published Melody of the Heart, Paperback, I-Universe, BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, Booksamillion.com, Target.com. Pick up her book today!




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